Lincoln is the county town of Lincolnshire, the county which forms the Eastern part of central England. Although now it is all too often passed by, in the Middle Ages it was a prosperous trading centre with strong links to Denmark in particular. Which is why the City could afford to build such a big cathedral! The oldest part still visible was built in 1250. It stands on a hill in the City centre, and dominates the surrounding countryside.

Stained glass is a particular English talent. Some of the stained glass windows in English churches, and particularly cathedrals, is quite magnificent. The quality of artwork, the intricacy of the detail and the love which went into producing such an exquisite work are all breathtaking.

The West front of Lincoln cathedral has been described (by the Lincoln Cathedral authorities) as `probably the finest Gothic facade in Europe'. However stiff the competition, it is certainly very imposing. The round arches at the base of each tower are from the original foundation built in Norman times; the bulk of this early building was destroyed by an earthquake in 1185.

The interior of York Minster is magnificent in its wealth of ornate detail. On either side of the Chancel arch are statues of English kings from William I (who came to the throne in 1066) to Richard III (who was deposed by Henry VII in 1485).

St Albans Cathedral

In about AD250, Amphibalus, an English Christian, was fleeing from persecution. Alban, who was living in the Roman town of Verulamium in southern England, sheltered him and was converted to Christianity. Caught by the persecutors, he was dragged out and executed. At the point of his execution, a spring opened up on the hillside to quench his thirst just before his death. Many people were converted on the spot, and a church was erected at which many people were cured of various illnesses. He was canonised accordingly. Verulamium was renamed St Albans in his honour. It later became an abbey and, when the monasteries were dissolved by Henry VIII, became a cathedral. It is still in use as both Cathedral and the town's parish church today.